Spring eTASIS in pdf format

A Whole New World
eTASIS
Spring 2014
An e-magazine for Alumni & Friends of The American School In Switzerland
Spring 2014 1
eT Creative Team
Design/Concept/Writer: Kim Nelson
Writer/Editor: Kristin Pedroja
Proofreader: Yvonne Procyk
Photography Contributors:
Kim Nelson, Tom Lill, Milo Zanecchia ’08,
and many other students/faculty members
Cover Photo: Aladdin Jr. was the
Middle School Spring Musical
performed during the Spring Arts
Festival.
2 eTASIS
With every issue of eTASIS the intent is to have a loose theme tying together our articles and stories.
This eTASIS theme puzzled the editors, and the word which kept coming up was ‘eclectic’ - there’s
a bit of everything! From the wonderful visit of slam poet Sarah Kay to an alumni photograph with
Vice President Joe Biden; from the ES Word Parade to graduation and end-of-year ceremonies,
happenings on campus and off included a variety as interesting, multifaceted, and, well, ‘eclectic’
as our students, staff, and alumni themselves And speaking of alumni, we’ve gathered quotes from alumni around the world about their TASIS
memories and advice to our Class of ’14 graduating seniors. These insights are sprinkled throughout
the issue, and add a fresh dimension to everyday happenings on campus.
So there’s our theme for this issue: Eclectic. Have fun with this issue. We hope you enjoy the
surprises on every page.
TASIS
The American School in Switzerland
Story Highlights
04
12
14
20
Campus News
A Middle School overnight, Vox Populi, and more
A-ha! Moments that Matter
Honoring the time when everything comes together and makes perfect sense
One Year of Global Service
An amazing first year of the GSP - a look back and a look ahead
Exam time
A year (or two) of work culminating in an hour (or two) of showing
what you know
24
28
All about Art
A look at this year’s Spring Arts Festival and behind the scenes with a costume designer
32
34
The Huey Legacy
Three talented alumni, a rocking original song, and the wreckage of a
Huey helicopter
Graduation and Moving-up
Celebrating our 5th, 8th, and 12th Graders as they move to their next
life stages
Alumni News
Reunions and the Alumni App
Photo Galleries
Videos
Website Links
Look for these links to explore the extended information provided on our website.
Spring 2014 3
campus news
Poet Sarah Kay a Hit at TASIS
Civil Rights come alive
In mid-May the Middle School 8th Grade history students were
finishing up their unit on civil rights. For their final assignment, each
student studied a civil rights leader. They studied the biographies of
their leader, then presented reports as the characters they studied.
An invitation went out to the entire TASIS community to visit the
classes and “mingle” with these important civil rights leaders. The
students in each class also
reported and listened to
each other carrying a small
notebook to record what
they learned.
One visiting teacher said that
she had learned a great deal
more about the entire life
story of a few of the leaders
and was reminded again of
the civil rights struggle and
how much has changed in
the past 40 years.
STAY CONNECTED:
Interact with the TASIS
community at www.tasis.ch
4 eTASIS
Submitted by Gavin Muenzberg ’14
The Senior Humanities Program
recently brought in spoken word
artist and founder of Project
V.O.I.C.E Sarah Kay to share
her poetry and speak about her
worldwide experiences with the
project. Sarah fit in as much as she
could in her time at TASIS with
class workshops, an all-School assembly, and a Senior Humanities
Program lecture. With trying to fit in time to see some of
beautiful Montagnola, Sarah certainly had a full schedule! Her
performances and workshops were enjoyed by everyone who got
the chance to participate.
Sarah’s visit was a very special event for me. I first saw Sarah’s
TED talk in 10th Grade where she performed her poem “if I
should have a daughter”. Her success continues to be one of my
greatest inspirations for my own writing. An interesting aspect
of Sarah’s workshops was her method of bringing various aspects
of her poetry and her personal experiences into the classroom. It
is my hope that this visit will have sparked some interest about
spoken word poetry at TASIS and will inspire some portion of the
community to write and enjoy spoken word events in the future.
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TASIS
6926 Montagnola
Switzerland
campus news
The Ultimate Free Weekend Trip
Students spend their free weekends doing a number of things,
which often include family gatherings or other special events. While
missing class is discouraged, one student had a pretty good excuse
for missing a Friday!
Alexander Dod ’16 was offered the incredible opportunity
to visit the North Pole with renowned polar researcher Artur
Chilingarov. The trip included four separate flights each way and
was accomplished in three days. The group lucked out with the
weather – sunny and just -26C/-14F!
Alexander took a TASIS flag along on the trip and returned with a
photo to prove that he may have the record for most unique free
weekend trip!
A Champion in our Midst
The Faculty/Student hockey game at Crans Montana gives the
victor great boasting rights for a year, but for one TASIS student
this year’s student victory at Crans pales in comparison with his
hockey success with the Lithuanian U18 National Hockey team.
Nojus Marcinkevicius ’16 is a forward for the Lithuanian U18
team. In late March, his team was crowned divisional World
Champions by the International Ice Hockey Federation! Read
more about the tournament here. Nojus skates throughout the
school year with a team in Bellinzona, but trains during breaks
with his national team. Nojus is not certain what part hockey will
play in his life next year as he begins a more demanding junior
year academic schedule. He will be a proctor, and is also part of
the new TASIS Leadership Academy.
Spring 2014 5
campus news
A Night Without WiFi!!
A Middle School Adventure
On May 31, the MS boarding students took off on an adventure to
a hut on Monte Bar, a mountain near Lugano. Eighth Grader Paige
Gulliver ’18 wrote a recap of the weekend adventure!
fingers subsided. Sliding down a small patch of dirty snow
while overlooking Lugano made the experience that much more
enjoyable.
With no Wi-Fi and only the woodburning fire and each other for
company, we connected on a whole new level at the top of the
mountain. Over games of chess and nibbles of authentic Swiss
cheese we made new friends and discovered new things about
everyone. The view of Lugano
was spectacular, but it did not
compare to the experiences and
memories we all shared and made,
something even more special than
the view.
Once back at the lodge we all scarfed down our soups and risotto,
then shared some laughs and stories over a game of cards. The sun
setting over Lake Lugano was the cherry on top of an amazing day
and the perfect background for taking in the true and untouched
beauty of Switzerland. That night, we
crawled into our beds and fell asleep
quickly, despite the boys’ snores.
After we warmed up and spent
some time playing games and
talking, a small group of the
toughest boarders got ready to
summit. This was a hard hike
which was done both on foot
and on hands and knees, but the
feeling of wind blowing through
your hair and the inferiority of
everything below was something
indescribable,
and
thoughts
of muscle aches and freezing
6 eTASIS
The hike down in the morning was filled
with sights and sounds of Switzerland,
including goats and waterfalls, and the
sounds of cow bells ringing throughout
the mountain. All in all, the hike was
steep and hard but with only the
company of each other and nature we
all somehow found a way to become
closer and truly take in the beauty of
Switzerland and appreciate our big
dorm family.
MS Weekend
Adventures
campus news
Beat the Bell
Lighthouse Project
Most students are sound asleep at 6:10 in the morning. But not our
Bell Beaters! This group of early risers delight in running through the
fresh Swiss morning air. May 1 was the date of the most recent Beat the
Bells run, when runners have 45 minutes to run seven kilometers (with
an elevation change of 1100 feet/340 meters) from the TASIS campus
to the lake and back again. Those who touch the school sign before the
7:00 bells stop ringing get to join the Bell Beaters club. Nearly all five
students made it – and the one who didn’t was at the garage, so very
close indeed! Congratulations to all of our Bell Beaters for their energy
and stamina – especially at sunrise!
For the third year in a row, the TASIS Foundation Board’s donation
of CHF 50,000 towards new technology initiatives, the Lighthouse
Project, will allow our students and faculty to pilot tech tools to
enhance and encourage learning.
The 2014-15 grant winners include:
• Physics Lab iPad Program: Six Physics Lab stations will
include iPads with extendable arms to allow students to easily
analyze data, collaborate with others, and utilize the Internet to
deepen their understanding of concepts.
• Smartboards: TASIS will pilot the use of interactive whiteboard
technology to see if we achieve the same or better results when
using this technology.
• TeachTCI: MS History
•
will use the TCI History
Alive modules to enhance
learning.
Videoing Understanding:
TASIS will add a mini
video studio and green
screen for Elementary
Students to create films.
Expanded projects from past years:
• 5th Grade iPad Initiative
• HS iPad Academy
• Lynda.com subscription
Everybody is “Happy” !
ES After-School Activity
It’s hard to get away from Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” and the
resulting videos of people from around the world lip-synching
and dancing to the catchy song. Of course TASIS got in on
the action! The ES After-School Video Club created a video
showcasing TASIS students and our campus.
Middle School Choir
The TASIS MS Choir also performed an impressive version of
the song at their Moving-Up ceremony while a video played
in the background. Happy-ness all around!
Spring 2014 7
campus news
“I’m Henry Hudson, and.....”
Each year, the 3rd Grade classes work for weeks preparing their
presentations for their Wax Museum. You can see the excitement on
their faces on the very first day they carry the big display boards
home to prepare. They enjoy figuring out what their characters will
wear and learning as much about them as possible.
Each character in the Wax Museum has one or more “flags” on their
costume. These are the language buttons which turn on the speaker
and tell him/her what language to use for their character presentation.
All are prepared to present in English, but many also will use Italian,
Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese!
ES galleries are password protected. Please
contact the ES office for the password.
The Word Parade
In early June, TASIS 3rd Graders
hosted a Word Parade! Each
student dressed up as a word, then
presented the word, its definition,
and used it in a sentence for a
Monday morning assembly.
ES Word Parade
Photo Gallery
8 eTASIS
ES Wax Museum
Photo Gallery
campus news
The TASIS Leadership Academy
Following a competitive selection process, six sophomores
ambassadors were selected for the TASIS Leadership Academy, a
joint leadership program with TASIS England. After a welcome
dinner at Casa Fleming with their parents and Headmaster, our
students headed to England for a weekend retreat at Lodge Hill
Outward Bound Centre where they were introduced to our
leadership model, as well as to the six TASIS England ambassadors.
They enthusiastically participated in a series of outward-bound
activities designed to move them out of their comfort zone and
challenge their beliefs and their ability to lead. Leadership seminars on
campus followed the introductory weekend. Students learned about
leadership theories and styles while increasing their self-awareness
of their personal leadership qualities, skills and potential. Using
Kouzes’ and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership as a
framework, each ambassador engaged in case studies of inspirational
leaders of the past and present. They practiced presentation skills by
sharing their findings and reflections on leadership in action with the
group. The leadership course of study will continue with readings
and workshops to develop students’ communication skills and
confidence in public speaking and to build an ethical foundation,
as well as to address women in leadership roles.
TASIS Switzerland Ambassadors
Nojus Marcinkevicius - Lithuania
Rron Lluka - Kosovo
Edoardo Italia - Italy
Defne Sahenk - Turkey
Jillian Streit - USA
Samantha Spoon - USA
Melissa Gygax - Director, TASIS Leadership Academy
KC McKee - TLA Teaching Staff
In the meantime, the ambassadors are getting ready for their twoweek summer program, from June 21 - July 5. Air, land, and sea
travels will bring ambassadors to England, France, and Portugal
where they will be exposed to leadership and team-building activities
in the areas of politics and diplomacy, service to the common good,
and business.
The summer opportunities are also designed to inspire students to
define and prepare for their personal leadership project in a chosen
pathway, which they will design and develop over the next 18
months, with the help of the TASIS Leadership Academy teaching
“You are here to learn leadership, not to
be a follower, for followers are often led
down the wrong path. Be strong in your
beliefs, fight for your own high values”
Mrs. Fleming (2003)
staff and a dedicated mentor who will share time, knowledge and
experience in the field. In developing their capstone project, students
will have the opportunity to emerge as leaders by facing and solving
real challenges and problems that matter to them, reflecting and
learning from the experience, including the mistakes made along
the way.
The TLA is possible thanks to the generosity and support of the
TASIS Foundation Board. This is a wonderful opportunity for our
students to learn and grow into inspiring young people who strive
“to make the world a better place for every human being to live in peace
and prosperity” (Mrs. Fleming).
By Melissa Gygax
Spring 2014 9
campus news
Guests from Kenya
Global Service Group welcomed WISER
principal Dorcas Oyugi and 11th Grader
Lavender Mathuni to the TASIS campus.
Dorcas and Lavender come from WISER (the
Women’s Institute in Secondary Education
and Research) in rural Muhuru Bay, Kenya,
and shared their incredible stories of their
journeys at WISER. Their visit was to further
build the TASIS relationship with WISER
and allow them to better understand the
TASIS community.
Lavender addressed the entire high school in
an assembly, telling her story and speaking
in public for the first time. She also attended
classes with WISER GSP students whom
she had a chance to meet when the Spring
Academic trip was at WISER. Parents were
invited to a presentation by Dorcus where
she outlined the history and development of
WISER and the needs of the organization.
It’s Almost Summer!
Only a few weeks until the TASIS Summer
Programs begin! Opening Day is June 27
for both the Lugano and Château-d’Oex
programs. Summer staff begin to arrive in
the next week to get both campuses ready
for everyone to arrive. Take a look at this
year’s catalog for photographs from last
year’s sessions and information about all
TASIS Summer Programs.
More information can be found on the TASIS
summer website: Lugano and Château-d’Oex.
10 eTASIS
art news
Literary Magazine
Since 2012 Vox Populi (Latin for “voice of the
people”) has had a resurgence under faculty
advisor Todd Matthew. This issue includes a
diverse sampling of photographs, sculpture,
sketches, watercolors, poetry, prose, and
more. Vox Populi’s mission is to encourage
creativity and appreciation of both art and
literature while also publishing work from
students, teachers, administrators, and staff.
Cover photo of this year’s Vox Populi is by
junior Francesca Pellas. The image was taken
in Nicaragua while Francesca was there last
summer working with her family’s American
Nicaraguan Foundation.
Vox Populi
TASIS Visual Arts
Website
Vitra: A Swiss Family Business
On Thursday, May 1, Rolf Fehlbaum
spoke to the TASIS Architecture & Design
and Economics classes in the Palmer
Cultural Center. He is on the board
of directors of the
company his father
founded in 1950.
The Vitra furniture
manufacturing
company is located
in Basel, Switzerland,
and the Vitra Design
Museum is located
just across the border
in
Weil-am-Rhein,
Germany. The TASIS Architecture &
Design classes travel up to Weil each year
in October and in January to increase
their understanding of contemporary
design and architecture.
Mr. Fehlbaum’s talk was inspirational, as he
recounted growing up in the midst of some
of the greatest designers of the 20th century.
Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson,
Verner Panton, and
others were personal
friends of his parents,
and members of
the Vitra company’s
private “stable” of
furniture designers.
He
also
spoke
about his passion
for
contemporary
architecture, and the
close correlation of architecture with design.
Finally, Mr. Fehlbaum addressed the issue
of business and profit-making. Here, too,
his remarks were direct and clear, targeting
students whose careers will most likely
include business involvement. Read more »
Workshop in Bronze
In late April, Gabriela Spector, an
internationally recognized sculptress, led
a workshop in the Ferit Şahenk Fine Arts
Center, where IB Visual Art students had
the opportunity to find out how to make
their very own bronze sculptures. Students
learned about a process, perfected during
the Renaissance, and which initially involves
sculpting in wax. The wax models TASIS
students made in this workshop found
their way to the
Perseo
Foundry
in
Mendrisio
where they were
cast into bronze.
Photographs
of
students sculpting
in wax and also a
number of the final
bronze castings can
be viewed here.
Spring 2014 11
A-ha Moments!
Though evasive, we’ve all had them: A-ha! moments, those striking moments of clarity when
everything somehow makes sense-a connection is made For some, they happen at a young age
and stick with us all of our lives. For others, they happen later in life, perhaps confirming our
life choices or reminding us of something we’d lost. We spoke with TASIS faculty about the A-ha!
Moments that have shaped the people they are today.
Todd Matthew, English Department Chair
In my Junior year at Wellesley High School I had the English
Department Chair, Mr. Goddard, as my teacher for my
English elective on Shakespeare. Mr. Goddard, or “Brooksie”,
was larger than life. He stood about 5’10”, but his huge mop
of white curly hair easily pushed him over six feet. He was
dynamic in the classroom, and I think his teaching style is what
I appreciated most. Robin Willams in Dead Poets Society had
nothing on Brooksie.
One particular day I was in Brooksie’s class, and the prior
night’s reading in The Merchant of Venice had had little impact
on me or my peers. We read words on a page by a dead
white man and were not particularly moved by the diction or
message. I’m guessing our collective lethargy appalled Brooksie,
so he slowly climbed on his desk, tattered play in hand, and
began reading Shylock’s “hath not a Jew’s eyes” speech.
Read more »
12 eTASIS
Charlotte Zanecchia, SRA Coordinator
Dr. Chris Love - HS English Teacher
The most memorable teaching
Back in the day—way back in the day—I was an economics major
moment that changed my life
and a freshman in college. Through the vagaries of course scheduling,
was my sophomore year at the
I ended up taking an upper-division literature course on Chaucer. My
University of Oregon. I was a
professor, giving the first lecture of the course, began reading from
Geography and Cartography
the “Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales. In Middle English. I looked
student, and I participated in an
around to see if anyone looked as confused as I was. No luck. To be
interdisciplinary spring program
sure, this professor struck the expected note of eccentricity: the shock
called People and the Oregon
of white hair, the scraggly goatee, the horn-rimmed reading glasses,
Coast at their Marine Biology
the rumpled suit, and of course, the outstated and vibrant love of
station. There were 40 students,
archaic languages. One day, he ‘wanted a word with me’...
four professors and two doctoral students. My first Politics class was in
Read more »
the Boat House overlooking an amazing bay with cormorants, whales,
and dolphins within view behind our lectures. A young doctoral student
got up to teach our first lesson about sustainable development...
Read more »
Dr. Karen Taylor, HS History Teacher
I had an amazing “A-ha!” moment once when I was teaching a senior
seminar on Romanticism. We had reached the section of the course
where we were discussing the Russian Romantic movement and I
was going to be evaluated by the Upper School Principal and the
Department Head. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time carefully
crafting a two-day lecture on Russian Romanticism...
Frank Long, Photography Teacher
Read more »
After five years and several changes of major it was time to
Julia Wilkins, Core Knowledge Coordinator
My A-ha! moment was in 2nd grade. My teacher read Miss Rumphius
by Barbara Cooney. In the story, the girl’s grandfather tells her that
she must do three things: travel to far away places, live by the sea,
and make the world a more beautiful place. I have lived by the sea,
traveled to far away places, and hopefully have made the world a
more beautiful place by teaching. I’m still young though, and this is
just a start!
graduate from college. It was a time in which I saw my classmates
Kim Nelson, Photography Teacher
This moment has stayed with me for over 40 years and has reminded
me often of the power of words. My hometown was destroyed in
an F5 tornado in May 1968. Since most of the ES schools had been
destroyed, we were often bussed to neighboring towns for classes and
events. Sixth grade physical education class was one of these...
Read more »
interviewing for entry-level jobs at large corporations where they
would have starting salaries comparable to what my father had
earned after 20 years of service with the same company. Middlelevel management was something to be
hoped for as a stepping-stone to higher
office. My friends didn’t want to wait for
something to trickle down.
My studies, however, had taken me away
from the practicalities of the job market.
I had lost myself in my curiosity and my
mentors had shown me that this was a
pursuit of passion...
Read more »
Spring 2014 13
A Global Year
“The things I experienced have
changed the way I look at my life”
— a TASIS student reflects on his trip to Nepal
14 eTASIS
Photograph by Raina Haynes-Klaver ’14
We spoke with Global Service Program coordinator Zach Mulert about the first year of this program.
This year has been full of excitement trying to develop the best
Similarly, I think that our spring Academic Travel trip to WISER in
possible program. We have been working hard trying to find the
Kenya was particularly powerful, and made even more impressions
right balance of helping the partner communities that we are
when Principal Dorcas Oyugi and student Lavender Mathuni
serving, and making sure our students understand the value of
came to the TASIS campus just six weeks after our own visit. Their
their service.
speeches to our entire HS student body made a lasting impression.
It has been a delicate blend this year making sure these eight
We also began a robust curriculum for our 9th Graders to help
global service trips got off the ground, while also trying to craft an
ready them for the challenges of the Global Service Program. It’s
experience that remains true to our Program’s goals. If anything,
designed to introduce our students to global issues and to help our
we now recognize that students truly value the relationships
students develop a sense of empathy for others beyond themselves.
they’ve formed in the communities where they have served,
Through weekly discussions, occasional readings, movies, guest
and they also are anxious to re-engage. I’ve had dozens of 11th
speakers, and some kinesthetic activities (designed to mimic those
Graders ask me if they can return next year to work with the same
with disabliilties, the Walk for Water, etc.), we tried to get our
communities and NGOs.
students to begin thinking about solutions to global problems. At
the end of the year, students worked in groups to develop a news
For as much as I can get consumed by the day-to-day details,
report explaining a particular global issue and potential solutions.
the fact that students keep coming back telling stories helps
I also got to take seven of our star 9th Graders to the Global Issues
me keep my eyes on the prize. Just recently, students who have
Network conference in Luxembourg, where they presented about
been working with SOS Ticino (a local refugee committee that
experiencing poverty when we have so much.
we partnered with this year) came back telling me how grateful
they were to spend their afternoons with local refugee children.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited that our KIVA group will
Meanwhile, SOS Ticino reported to me that one young refugee
likely visit Morocco next year, to work with multiple partners who
was disappointed when we were unable to come one particular
work particularly with empowering women through economic
week. Even if the partnership is still a work in progress, these
development. We are also always looking for ways to serve
moments help you realize that it is all worth it.
Lugano, as well as the communities that aren’t that far away from
Switzerland, and this remains a part of our mantra.
While all of our trips have resulted in amazing experiences
for our students, our recent Spring Break trip to Nepal was a
We’ve also recently sent scouting missions to India to an
roaring success that ended with students writing, “The things I
organization called Gram Vikas, and to western Mongolia, to
experienced have changed the way I look at my life”, and “This
potentially provide English support to the university in Bayan Ulgi.
experience changed me and the way I look at the world”—we
These potential partnerships would expose our students to new
can’t ask for much more than students re-thinking their attitudes
regions, new issues (Gram Vikas focuses on health and sanitation
towards themselves and others.
primarily), and hopefully add value to the communities while
simultaneously transforming our students. Spring 2014 15
Where TAS
Embracing Romania
Habitat for Humanity
Hungary
Morocco - KIVA
By the numbers!
• Students involved: all!
• Students on service trips abroad: 116
• Students who actively served locally: 82
• Teachers involved: 33
• Countries visited: 8
16 eTASIS
Serving South Africa
Zambia
Freedom Gardens - Malawi
SIS Serves
Local Service Groups
Casa Elisabetta - a shelter for
children and disadvantaged mothers.
Red Cross Hip-Hop - an afterschool program for young children
(6-12) to teach them hip-hop dance
and exchange life stories.
SOS Ticino - work with refugees
currently residing in Ticino
providing cultural activities and
language lessons.
Tea Time - visits to a local
retirement home, to develop
meaningful, intergenerational
relationships.
Local service group gallery »
Mongolia
Nepal
India
Caring for Cambodia
Nuovo Fiore Ethiopia
Wiser - Kenya
Key
Black - 2013-2014 Global Service trip*
Red - 2014-2015 Global Service trip
*Click on any current year trip to see galleries of
photographs from the trip.
Spring 2014 17
Telling the Story
Caring for Cambodia
Embracing Romania
Habitat for Humanity - Hungary
Photograph by Wendela Birgersson ’14
Photograph by Alexandra Polikarpova ’15
Photograph by Gaby Cova ’15
Cambodia video
»
A Tradition of Service
Service through the years
“I remember my community
Assisting Children with AIDS
Founded
in
October
2001,
this
organization was focused on fundraising
service when I was a student in
to help abandoned HIV-positive teenage
the early 70s was to go to a local
girls. Every spring, students would spend
church on Sunday and to literally
their In-Pro trip working with children
with disabilities or a life-threatening
watch for elderly members of the
disease. Founded by former TASIS Director
congregation who were about to
of Development Dr. Frank Klein, the
faint. My job was to catch them if
they started falling.”
– John Pritzlaff ’72
organization still exists under the name
Assisting Children in Need (ACN). Current
TASIS Board member Curtis Webster ’75
sits on ACN’s board.
Michael Chan ’05 in Romania (Spring 2004)
18 eTASIS
For students these trips are a life-changing. Photographs help tell their story. Click on the photographs for gallery links.
Freedom Garden - Malawi
WISER - Kenya
Nepal
Photograph by Semen Parhimchik ’15
Photograph by Raina Haynes-Klaver ’14
Photograph by Giulia Gatti ’15
Malawi video
»
WISER video
»
Nepal video coming soon
Cancer & Malaria Educational
Toad Patrol
Caring for Cambodia
Organization (CAMEO)
Sometimes this ‘service’ saved lives! The Toad
CAMEO was started in 2003 by Masa Yo ’04
Patrol was part of the longstanding Environment
TASIS made its second trip to Cambodia
and Howard Stickley. Funds raised focused
Club (again led by Howard Stickley). Groups of
on buying malaria nets and medicine for
students volunteered their time to carry toads
use throughout Africa. Since 2006, Howard
across a busy street in Grancia to a nearby pond!
with students this fall. In April 2009, a
group of students also went to Cambodia to
work with this organization.
has taken students on trips to Zambia and
Wiser
Botswana each June to volunteer.
TASIS’s relationship with WISER began in
2010 -2011 school year with the first group
Missionaries of Charity
In Fall 2004, a group of high school students
of students traveling to Kenya to volunteer.
Earlier this year, former faculty members
and faculty took an Academic Travel service
Kelly Teagarden and Courtney Hawes
trip to Rome. The group volunteered at a
traveled to Muhuru Bay to attend the first
house run by the Missionaries of Charity for
graduation ceremony.
homeless people.
Sarah Ourevitch ’07 with Ergin Varlibas ’07
saving a toad
Spring 2014 19
Exams! The word still sends shivers through the spines of former students around
the world. Yet exams are a necessary part of proving knowledge, and May is the
month when students get to prove what they know. Those taking external exams
tend to show the most nerves. International Baccalaureate (IB) students spend two
years preparing for their exams; Advanced Placement (AP) students one year. It’s not
uncommon to see students gathering together prior to their test start time, bursting
with nervous energy and hugging each other for luck. Afterwards, students and
teachers assemble to go over the questions and try to soothe the post-exam nerves.
Teachers are often just as nervous as their students! “It’s similar to a parent sending a
child off to college,” one IB teacher says. “Did I prepare them enough? Will they do
well?” They’re in it together, everyone waiting patiently until early July, when scores
are released.
This year, the AP Studio 2D Design/Drawing and Painting course was revived, and
10 students took the course. On May 9, the student sent off five physical pieces along
with 24 electronic images of their work to the AP Board. While these students didn’t
have the nerve-wracking three-hour exam, they were overcome with relief once the
packages were sent off. “We did what we could,” one student said. “Now it’s out of
our hands.” See the AP 2D Design work online.
Committing to an IB or AP class continues to be a question many TASIS students
wrestle with each year. For more about these courses, read the Fall 2013 eTASIS
article, “To IB or AP- that is the question” .
IB HL and SL Math Studies
20 eTASIS
Bonding o
Stressful and scary, but al
AP US History
AP Studio Arts Portfolio Day
over Tests
lso exciting and rewarding
Spring 2014 21
A Busy Saturday
TASIS athletes have been busy this year. At last count, TASIS Tigers
competed in over 63 games and 42 tournaments. The spring season lasted
nearly through graduation! Saturday, May 17 was a particularly busy day,
when five different Tigers teams competed both in Lugano and away.
10:30
Cross country meet
It all began with a cross country meet along the Vedeggio River
against The American School of Milan (ASM). The relationship
and connections made with ASM have allowed both schools to
compete in many sports. It was a beautiful day for a race, and
the guns went off at 10:30 at the three mile race course.
Results: TASIS took the team honors with Malcolm Brooks
’16 (18:57) and Jo Egan ’15 (22:55) bringing home the honors
for the individual medals. More cross country photos »
22 eTASIS
ASM was also the opponent for an Ultimate Frisbee game on the soccer pitch
in Paradiso. TASIS team was made up of the recreational ultimate frisbee
players, helped out by some of the cross-country team!
12:15
Ultimate Frisbee
Results: ASM squeaked out a 6-5 victory but not after some amazing goals by
Koshiro Ashizawa ’15! More ultimate frisbee photos »
While some Tigers tossed Frisbees around, others were making quite a racquet! Due to the
late cancellation of a tournament in Lucerne, TASIS quickly organized a round-robin Facutly
vs. Students tennis tournament.
Results: A fun day of great tennis! For more tennis photos »
Also playing throughout the afternoon was the new Middle School Girls
Volleyball team. This friendly tournament against Campione Girls Volleyball
team was the second volleyball weekend on their spring schedule.
For more MS Girls Volleyball photos »
1:00
Tennis
1:30
MS Girls Volleyball
Boys Lacrosse
While most of our Tigers remained nearby, the
Boys Lacrosse team was in Zurich taking on the
U19 Swiss team. The game was close, but the
Tigers lost 6-4.
For more lacrosse photos »
Spring 2014 23
All About Art
In mid-May the Spring Arts Festival took center stage for the 40th time. The weekend
kicked off with an all-school assembly on Thursday which highlighted some of the weekend’s
forthcoming events. Special moments included a group of 5th Graders who had the
opportunity to conduct Igor Longato’s Alpen Symphonie Orchestra, and the Middle School
production of Aladdin Jr. Our community enjoyed short plays, workshops, and studio tours.
Hundreds of pieces of artwork filled the Palestra throughout the weekend and provided the
perfect backdrop for the final concert. The music department pulled out
all the stops with a final performance of ‘O Fortuna’ from Camina Burana.
A most excellent event for all!
24 eTASIS
ES Spring Arts
Gallery
Aladdin Jr.
Gallery
Spring Arts Festival
Gallery
TASIS Visual Arts
Website
Spring 2014 25
Aladdin Jr. - More photos
»
Praise for TASIS drama productions is nothing new, but what makes
a fantastic production is not just talented actors, a capable crew, and
good direction. One of the lesser-celebrated heroes of the stage is the
costume designer.
TASIS has been working with Ingrid Proos for two years. Ingrid is
originally from Estonia but has lived and worked in Australia and New
York. She has a BA in theater production and a Masters in theater
studies, making her a pro at bringing her talents to TASIS.
TASIS photography teacher Annika Fibbioli, also an Estonian,
introduced Ingrid to TASIS drama directors Gillian Eames and Valerie
Carlson in 2012. Ingrid’s first production was Fall 2012’s As You Like
It, and since she’s worked with all three divisions, ensuring our young
actors look the part.
Costuming a production is an intense process. Ingrid first meets with
the director to discuss ideas, from colors and textures to themes, and
much of this is done in conjunction with set design. Ingrid creates a
The Sound of Music - More photos»
Clothe
Sometimes clothes are re
26 eTASIS
The Wizard of Oz - More photos
»
collage of looks for each character, and discusses with the director any
special building or ordering needed, such as masks or hats. Once the
basic ideas are set, she measures each student.
Then the hard part begins. Ingrid pulls items from the TASIS costume
closet, orders or shops for things that are necessary, and usually tailors
or custom-makes each costume. She remains in constant contact with
the director and watches rehearsals to ensure she’s aware of quick
changes or awkward movements that might compromise the clothing.
She also speaks to the students about costume care and responsibility.
Finally, she is present for all shows to fix any mishaps and help with
costume changes. At the end of the process, she launders, organizes,
and stores each costume. And sometimes two TASIS shows overlap!
“She is really wonderful, an incredibly hard worker, and really down
to earth,” Gillian says. Valerie concurs; “Ingrid has been an invaluable
member of our artistic team! Working with a professional costumer
makes an enormous difference to the aesthetic integrity of a show.”
es Call
eally what matters most!
Spring 2014 27
The Senior Banquet holds a special place in the hearts of most TASIS graduates.
TASIS Alumni were asked to share memories of their TASIS graduation, and
many mentioned ‘the dinner the night before graduation’ as a favorite memory.
Remington Franklin ’03 said, “It was great spending time with my TASIS family
the night before we all departed back to our respective countries.” Tania Shetabi
Nordstrom ’82 said, “I was selected to be a speaker at the dinner the night before
graduation. It was an honor to represent my class.”
For the Class of 2014, the night could not have been more beautiful, beginning
with a reception on the MCF Piazza and closing with champagne and strawberries
on the Monticello terrace. After dinner was served the speeches began, and from
the very first student speaker through Dr. Skipper’s closing remarks, the shared
sense of community and pride was palpable.
A Favorite Evening
28 eTASIS
“I love my school for the fact of the great invisible
bond of people proves that no matter what is
happening around the world, including political
tensions and words, international friendships at
TASIS rise above it all.”
— Sofia Gugberidze ’14
“I come to you from a land of war... TASIS has
changed me and now I am on a new path. How
can I ever express my gratitude for what you
have made possible. You welcomed me to your
community as well as your own homes. You have
opened the door to college for me and made me
strong. I promise I will never forget you.”
— Fatah Soroush ’14
“TASIS is a lot more than just a school. It is a
community full of smart, friendly, and funny
students and teachers that have helped me
become more responsible and helped me make
friends from all over the world.”
— Valentina Parini ’14
“The beauty of TASIS is that it gives the students
the resources necessary to do what they love and
thrive doing it. With some effort, momentum,
and initial boost TASIS will help you go higher
and higher and reach the stars.”
­— Ryan Osgood ’14
Alumni Event
Gallery
Senior Banquet
Gallery
Spring 2014 29
“Graduation day holds so much potential. It is the end of
an era, the beginning of a new life. Nine years ago, I was
standing in the position as you are now. I remember the day
incredibly well; the sunlight against the Palestra bleachers
as I was waiting my turn to walk. I remember the music. I
remember walking down a red carpet in a white dress. I
remember giving a speech that day, which was probably just
as cheesy as this message, but it was an incredible feeling!”
Shila Tursini ’05
Graduation
Graduation
Gallery
30 eTASIS
Archived Livestream
of Graduation
The Middle School
Moving-Up
MS Moving-Up
Gallery
ES Moving-Up
Gallery
The Elementary School
Spring 2014 31
Huey’s
What do you get when
TASIS Alums
After February’s Los Angeles reunion, Yvonn
drove to Palm Springs to visit Steve Malone
had met Steve during the 2013 Şahenk Arts
resident Jeanie Cunningham ’75 along for
a creative, lively discussion about upcoming
Since this fateful day, Steve, Alicia, and Jean
Me Home Huey, inspired by the 50th annive
Horse Legacy, an organization supporting vet
providing Steve with what’s left of a combat
will transform this into an interactive fine ar
era with the goal of encouraging a healing d
the society that misunderstood them.
Steve commissioned Jeanie to write a song e
thoughtful song that will feature in the piece
Alicia was also commissioned to create a doc
Alicia and her production partner Christine
airport hangar in Arizona to film segments t
also on hand, as was Huey #174 (unreconstr
the vets. “Our interview subjects were very e
displayed great courage to speak out about t
purity.” The vets were visibly moved by Jean
the entire project.
Steve will use social media to enable veteran
about the war and its legacy. He hopes to ra
Steve Maloney ‘61
Jeanie Cunningham ‘75
Alicia Brauns ‘82
and fundraising for organizations that help s
will be exhibited at six national venues over
anniversary, and will eventually be donated
Jeanie’s song is available for download on iT
32 eTASIS
Home Huey Facebook page to follow the prog
s Legacy
n you connect three creative
s and a helicopter?
ne Procyk, our Associate Director of Alumni Relations,
ey ’PG61 and brought along Alicia Brauns ’82, who
s Center opening. Yvonne invited fellow Palm Springs
lunch, which evolved into a tour of Steve’s studio and
g projects.
nie have been collaborating on a project entitled Take
ersary commemoration of the Vietnam War. Light
terans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is
t Huey helicopter that was shot down in Vietnam. Steve
rt sculpture portraying stories from the Vietnam War
dialogue between the soldiers who risked their lives and
evocative of the period. “Take Me Home, Huey” is a
e.
cumentary film as part of the project. In early June,
e Steel gathered veterans and veteran families in an
to be used in a lengthier documentary film. Steve was
ructed) and a fully restored Huey, both evocative for
eloquent and poignant,” Alicia says. “Each person
their heart-wrenching experiences with strength and
nie’s song, too. Filming has strengthened the mission of
ns and others to share their experiences and thoughts
aise awareness of PTSD while honoring war veterans
soldiers suffering from PTSD. Take Me Home Huey
three years as the US commemorates this sobering
to a permanent exhibition.
Tunes and Spotify, and keep an eye on the Take Me
gress of this fascinating and important collaboration!
Spring 2014 33
Upcoming Reunions
White House Guests
All-Class Reunion in New York
Eda Aksoy ’05 recently posted a photo on her Facebook page with
November 22, 2014
her brother Kerim Aksoy ’11 and US Vice President Joe Biden. So
The Asia Society
how did this connection happen? We asked Eda, and she sent us
725 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021
the following:
6:00 – 9:00 pm
All-Class Reunion in London
December 6, 2014
Charing Cross Hotel
The Strand, London, WC2N 5HX
6:30 – 9:30 pm
All-Class Reunion in San Francisco
February 21, 2015
St. Francis Yacht Club
On the Marina, San Francisco, CA 94123
6:30 – 9:30pm
“My brother Kerim was invited for an event at the White House
and brought me as his date. He has been very involved with
politics, writing his thesis about the discrimination against the
property rights of Greek-Orthodox Foundations in Turkey. He is
now working as a paralegal at an immigration law firm in New
York. We listened to a speech by President Obama and had a
chance to quickly chat and get a photograph with Vice President
Biden. What’s even more funny is that right after I posted the
photo on Facebook, Steve Floyd (former TASIS faculty) wrote
me that he was supposed to be at the White House for the event
but couldn’t make it at the last minute. Would have been so great
to run into him there!” The small world of TASIS - even at the
White House!
Class of 1989 – 25-Year Reunion
New York City, dates to be decided
Contact Toni Clayton Hine at [email protected]
for more info.
Classes of 1984 and 1994
Who would like to volunteer to organize your anniversary
reunion? Contact [email protected] to start the ball rolling!
Class of 1990 – 25-Year Reunion
Las Vegas, October 10-12, 2015 (Columbus Day long weekend)
Ken Tobe and Franca Marena Gullett met up for drinks in Tokyo
in May and remembered how much fun everyone had at the
2010 reunion in Palm Beach, so decided it was definitely time
for another! All are invited – classmates from other years, alumni
families and friends, faculty and staff! Contact Ken Tobe at
[email protected] for more info.
For more information or questions, please contact the alumni
office at [email protected].
34 eTASIS
Connect with other TASIS alumni!
Don’t miss out on reconnecting with old friends!
Connect with your fellow TASIS alumni around the globe with our new
Alumni Mobile App, powered by EverTrue! The app is already being used
by close to 400 TASIS Alumni! The top user award goes to Serge Bollag
’09 with 58 sessions followed by Gerald Tebbe ’99 with 53 sessions.
Features:
Securely connect with TASIS alumni and friends around the world
•Integrate information from your LinkedIn account
•Stay up-to-date with TASIS alumni and School news
Top Classes Using the App
Classes
Classes of 2010/2011
Class of 2009
Classes of 2001/2008
Class of 2012
Classes of 2005/2007
Classes of 2012/ 2013
Classes of 1998/1999/2004
Users
20
19
17
14
13
12
11
•See who else lives near you
Download the EverTrue app on your mobile device, then search for TASIS
The American School in Switzerland. Enter your email address and look
for a confirmation message in your inbox. If your email address is not
recognized, try another, or contact the Alumni Office at [email protected]
or call +41 91 986 5423.
For further information or questions regarding the TASIS Alumni Mobile
App, please contact Zuleika Tipismana, Alumni Relations, by phone at
+41 91 986 5423 or [email protected]. For more information and a list
of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Alumni App page on the
TASIS website.
Bill Eichner uses the new app and loves it!
Spring 2014 35
Alumni tell it like it is!
Advice and memories from TASIS Alumni
Shila Tursini ’05
Joyce Nassar Leary ’PG61
There is lots of stuff around giving
You, as graduates, should treasure
you advice on life and whatever
the incredible special educational
else, so number one, never take to
experience you have had being
any advice too dearly! And with
part of TASIS. You will remember
that in mind, here is my advice. your time with friends as some of
the best in your life. Enjoy! You are
Say yes. Give new experiences a
all so lucky. I remember my time at
chance. Say yes to that friend that
TASIS so fondly.
says “let’s go”, say yes to that new
 
sport you have always wanted to
try. These days to come are your
Martha Sproat Fields ’PG61
chance to build your future you.
Always remember the wonderful
experiences and memories that
Take your time and take your
space. Take a few hours for yourself, away from everyone including those you love most. It calms you,
it centers you and reminds you of what you want and need. This is your life, it’s not a rehearsal. Do what you want to do, and I’m not saying be selfish and
greedy, I am talking about your goals. People will judge, people will comment, people will dislike, but
in the end, you are dealing with your choices, so make sure you are happy with them.
Uh, and don’t stalk people on Facebook. Go out and speak to them! :) I can promise this: it’s not easy
at all, you will make mistakes and you get really hurt, but you will realize that it’s ok and you will get
back on your feet, every time a little bit stronger, a little wiser.  
Remington Franklin ’03
Stay in touch with as many people from your TASIS family as possible. Don’t lose touch no matter how
far away you are from everyone else or how busy you are. Take the time to send them a message and
check in. The relationships you have made will serve as a great support system throughout your life.
I’m lucky, as an agent I travel a lot for work, but even when I travel for I work I always check who from
TASIS is in that country or city and try to spend time with them if I can; you should do the same.
Make the effort. Enjoy your friends, classmates, and most of all your TASIS family. Enjoy life! You only
get one shot, so don’t suck at life. ;)
36 eTASIS
will remain with you for a lifetime.
Hold on to your friends dear and
keep in touch. Best of luck.
 
Gina van Hoof ’96
Remain connected to your true
self and do what feels right for
you. Trust in your instincts to
guide you when you feel lost.
Believe in yourself - you’re a
wonderful person!
Samantha Hercules ’13
Anne Strauss ’PG61
My favorite memory of TASIS graduation was hearing
I have always tried to follow the advice of Thoreau: “Go
how each of the teachers described the students who
confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the
got awards. It was life-changing, hearing how much
life you’ve imagined.” And, guess what? It works! TASIS
love teachers had for their students. I am pretty sure
has beautiful memories for me and I feel blessed to have
that one of the best things in life is receiving respect
been part of it.
back from someone that you hold in high esteem.
 
Those were some of the most beautiful words that
anyone has ever said about me, and this will always be
Mimi Trieschmann Nesbit ’PG61
a treasured memory for me. We were each given a copy
There were 20 students in our class and five were boys.
of what was said about us, and it still touches me.
The girls wore “shirtwaist” knee-length dresses in white
Advice for the seniors: don’t freak out. College is awesome! Even if you aren’t going
to college, just living on your own is awesome! You are an adult now, and although it
is incredibly hard, it is also amazing. Realize that you don’t know anything, and use
that to constantly learn. Be a learner for the rest of your life, instead of just a student.
Laughter is always the best medicine. And finally, the advice that my friend who just
graduated from college gave to me. Play hard, study hard, sleep hard, laugh hard, and
live. That’s what the next stage of your life is all about.
and varying shades of blue and carried white flowers. We
had a procession line. Mrs. Fleming spoke and presented
us with our diplomas from a covered podium on the
lawn. It was a beautiful day. Bittersweet for many of us,
knowing we would soon be leaving our friends after an
incredible year.
You have been so fortunate to have had this extraordinary
experience. Treasure it always and the dear friends you
 
made. As you continue on your life’s journey, I hope
Mika Schroder Nava ’92
My favorite memories of TASIS graduation would be the excitement of waiting for
our families to arrive, and meeting the families of all the friends you become so close to
during the years. Having spent three years as a boarding student, we formed such close
bonds. We became like family to each other, so it was
really nice meeting the parents of all my friends. I don’t
you will be kind and thoughtful, never take anything
or anyone for granted and use what you have learned at
TASIS, to make this world a better place than you found
it. I wish you much success, happiness, and fulfillment
in all your future endeavors.
think we realized back then what strong friendships
we formed, and now over 20 years later, I have almost
daily contact with my TASIS friends...
Advice for class of 2014?
Always treasure the
friendships you formed at TASIS - it will be hard to
meet more international friends like you do at TASIS,
and the special bond you form is irreplaceable...!
Spring 2014 37
TASIS The American School In Switzerland
CH-6926 Montagnola, Collina d’Oro, Switzerland
Tel: +41 91 960 5151 - www.tasis.ch
38 eTASIS